Enhancing graduate research capacity in an IDeA state: 5-yr outcomes of the USD G-RISE program

Graduate education in biomedical science faces persistent challenges in rural and underresourced regions, including limited access to research training infrastructure and experiential learning opportunities. The University of South Dakota's Graduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (G-RISE) program addressed these barriers by embedding structured training within a Carnegie-classified high research activity institution (R2) in a state designated by the NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program as historically underfunded. From 2020 to 2025, G-RISE supported 11 PhD students, most of whom were first-generation college graduates or from rural backgrounds, through a curriculum emphasizing rigorous research, mentor development, microcredential coursework, science communication, and career exploration. Trainees achieved 100% PhD retention and graduated 1 yr faster than their peers (4.08 vs. 5.07 yr), with comparable publication rates (1.04 vs. 1.16 publications per year). Department-wide outcomes also improved during the funding period: the median time to degree decreased to 5.0 yr, attrition dropped, and graduates averaged 5.7 peer-reviewed publications, more than twice the pre-G-RISE average. Additionally, there were increases in graduates earning nationally competitive fellowships. Key training innovations, including interdisciplinary microcredential electives and formal mentor training, were adopted across the broader graduate program, strengthening institutional capacity. These findings illustrate that targeted, scalable interventions can improve educational outcomes and research productivity in institutions with limited NIH training infrastructure. The USD G-RISE model offers a replicable framework for programs, especially in rural or less resourced settings, seeking to enhance biomedical training. Further, it underscores the importance of aligning training strategies with local strengths and workforce needs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Building research capacity in rural, underfunded regions is challenging, yet the Graduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (G-RISE) program strengthened doctoral training at a public research university in an NIH Institutional Development Award (IDeA) state. Trainees showed higher retention, shorter time to degree, and comparable research productivity. As the university's first NIH T32 program, G-RISE illustrates how targeted, evidence-based training can broaden participation and support research growth in underserved geographic areas.